The now ghosttown of Ludlow, pays homage and rememberance to the Ludlow Massacre…read more It certainly shows the consequences that occurred when going on strike as a coal mine worker. About two dozen miners, wives and children were killed by the Colorado National Guard and private guards from the Colorado Iron and Fuel Company for striking due to poor labr conditions. Shameful. After reading about the massacre, you can then drive up the road and see what's left of the town. It's not much, but interesting to see the history.

The Ludlow Memorial and the remnants of the town of the same name Capture a little known chapter in…read morethe history of labor rights in the United States. An escalating standoff between striking coal miners, and coal company management of Rockefeller ownership... Later strengthened by the Colorado national guard... Culminated in a massacre on April 20, 1914, in which 25 men, women, and children were gunned down or burned alive in tents soaked in kerosene and set ablaze. The monument itself is a work in progress, with a modest construction, and a few informational signs with timelines and such. Just up the road, the ghost town of Ludlow still has a few structures standing from that time period, although much of it has been consumed by weather and time. The story of these early labor union organizers was, candidly, more inspiring to me than the monument that stands in their vigil, but it also served as a reason for us to learn more about this dark and a little known chapter of our history as a country, and for that, it was worth a stop on our road trip, even for just a couple of minutes to stretch our legs and expand our minds.

Lovers Leap in Trinidad. I left wishing I'd brought a can of spray paint and a bottle of strawberry…read morewine to break on the rocks Who is this Simpson guy? Wikipedia

Simpson's Rest is a terrific vista point lookout showcasing downtown Trinidad, Colorado from high…read moreabove. If you're driving Interstate 25 through Trinidad and if you keep your eyes peeled on the surroundings, you'll discover the sign T-R-I-N-I-D-A-D in giant white letters perched above a rock bluff formation. It's sort of similar in style to the iconic Hollywood Sign out in Los Angeles, California but obviously on a much smaller scale. I immediately took notice of Simpson's Rest and used Google Maps to navigate my way just 10 minutes up a dirt road to reach the summit. I was pretty surprised by how accessible it was without having to hike or work hard to reach it. For around 11am in the middle of June, I had the entire overlook to myself. And I was highly impressed with the views which seemed to span for miles and miles. Simpson's Rest might have been one of my favorite observation points in 2024 with it being so under the radar and such a pleasant surprise. Basically, you have undisturbed 180-degree panoramas standing one hundred feet on top of a rock butte. On the day I visited, the winds were nonexistent, and it felt like the landscape backdrop around Trinidad was similar to an untouched canvas painting. My one and only disappointment were the graffiti stains engraved onto a bunch of the rocks next to the Trinidad Sign. Vandalism like that makes no sense to me. Off to the righthand side of the Trinidad Sign is the "burial place of explorer and trader George S. Simpson" according to Wikipedia. Otherwise, it's just you and the endlessly dramatic sceneries. You can certainly bring lunch with you and have a quiet picnic from the best seat atop Trinidad. In total, the experience can take 15 - 20 minutes for newcomers or for those who are appreciating the sights, 40 - 45 minutes. Simpson's Rest is a great reward for a hidden town like Trinidad, Colorado that probably most people have never heard of.

If you're heading north on Interstate 25 coming from New Mexico, you'll notice this Welcome to…read moreColorful Colorado Sign of Raton Pass off to the right hand side of the highway. There'll be a small pullover area to park where you can safely exit your car and grab a photo with the sign. For any person looking to say they've "arrived" in Colorado, it's a playful picture moment, lol. Also, for stopping by around 10am the sun was in perfect positioning in the sky for photos. It'll be at your back and the Colorful Colorado Sign will stand out exceptionally. So...therefore, if you show up in afternoon time, it'll be a poor time to visit as you'll obviously be facing the sun, lol. If anyone out there is actually really reading this...make sure to be driving in the morning. Hahaha And when getting your pictures in, you may notice the Huerfano Butte situated in the backdrop making for a scenic setting, especially in summertime. It's actually a pretty photogenic moment. Lastly, when finishing up driving 13 miles north into the town of Trinidad, Colorado, don't forget to visit Simpson's Rest, a fantastic overlook viewpoint from high above the downtown suburbs of Trinidad. It's a terrific introduction into your Colorado explorations and wherever your next destination may be. Overall, I give two thumbs up for this Welcome to Colorful Colorado Sign of Raton Pass.

Iconic and absolutely worth the stop! The "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" sign is the perfect photo…read moreop to kick off your Colorado adventure. We pulled over for a quick picture and it felt like a classic road trip moment. Beautiful backdrop, easy to access, and a fun way to mark your journey. Five stars for this memorable roadside landmark!

It's always interesting to make a quick stop to stretch and see something interesting and new on…read moreroad trips. The scenery on both sides of the interstate is interesting and beautiful. So if you're tired of driving and feel like stretching stop and see the lonely Butte and the ominously large mountains on the other side.

Just like I remember it but still keeping up with the times! Coming to the library when I was…read moreyounger was one of my favorite summer activities and sadly as I got older I haven't been in; but it's still so amazing and staff is super friendly & helpful! You can even use your library card information to join certain websites and listen to audio books, read online, and even reserve copies ahead of time! The kid/young adult section is my favorite and definitely makes reading more appealing to younger kids! 10/10 would recommend!

I almost went for 2 stars, but who does that to a Library? All libraries deserve at least 2 stars…read morefor mere existence and this place isn't bad, it's just not very good for grown ups who want to do anything but get a book and leave. Pros: it's a real Carnegie library, build by the benefactor himself. Thank you, even if you were a murderous union buster. Requisite monolithic architecture is still looking good and they've maintained most of the vibe w/ the lighting and bookshelves upstairs. Downstairs is fully rehabbed into children's area. This place rocks for kids. Central play area surrounded by books reflects an expectation that small children will run around and play while they careen off the bookshelves. Editorial aside: I'm mixed on this new attitude in Libraries. I've seen it in several across the country and as a child of libraries- I literally spent entire summers in the Library in Tulsa, Ok growing up, it is where I learned to CONCENTRATE IN SILENCE. I do not like this new, "it's ok to scream in the Library" attitude. That is for parks. Yes, I am going public with this and all of you with the "toddlers needs to express themselves" argument, please, take them home or to the park for that. That being said, at least at this Library this section is in the basement. CONS: There are bathrooms. The women's works and is not filthy. Otherwise, it is dismal and depressing and reflects this places proximity to the soup kitchen next door. (Lest you think I am expressing a disapproval of homelessness, let me be clear, everyone should be able to use a library and a public bathroom. This doesn't mean those places should be dismal and depressing.) This is not a good place to work or read. There is one large table surrounded by wooden chairs, one small table in the other room. Some upholstered reading chairs in corners- lighting is insufficient to read by, outlets are scarce. Small children tend to run rampant (they've escaped the down stairs) and might bang on things next to you for some time until their fondly indulgent parent decides to interrupt their self expression and actually pick them up and move them rather after telling them to desist in a mild manner for 5 minutes. And yes, I do like children & I like them in libraries- when they are not screaming or banging.

My wife and I visited the Castle, and it was, in a word, "Perfect"…read more The location, the people, the staff, and the wonderful environment. Great place to reflect and enjoy. Mel

Found this place today. It is Crazy! Middle of nowhere and the castle is huge. The wife loved…read moreit and climbed to the top. I hate heights and since most of the walkways were see thru grates, I did not go too high. Floor felt like it would fall thru any minute. Lots of people there. Got to see it to believe it. Lots of parking on the side of the road. Port-a-potties.

I'm all about the historical markers and this one was odd. It is way out in the middle of nowhere…read moreon a road I drove between Colorado Springs CO and Taos NM. Surprising I spotted it, but the sun hit it just right and so the marker reads: The oldest continuously used ditch in Colorado, with court decree priority No 1, and dating from April 10 1852. Dug by the pioneer settlers of Colorado. Colorado's greatness is built upon irrigation. Erected by the State Historical Society of Colorado, the Heirs of the Pioneers and the Irrigation Centennial Commission. April 10, 1952. The website gives a bit more info: Discover "acequias" (gravity-fed irrigation systems) in one of the oldest communities in Colorado. Serving the village of San Luis de la Culebra before Colorado was a Territory, the People's Ditch was initially a shallow hand-dug irrigation channel. Later, oxen pulling a plow widened and extended the ditch. Operating under Water District 24 of Division 3, the People's Ditch holds the first adjudicated water rights in Colorado. The People's Ditch serves 16 "parcientes" (affiliated water users) and irrigates approximately 2100 acres of hay & other row crops. A majority of parcientes are descendants of the original founders of the acequia.

It's pretty and functional! This the view from down the road... The mountains in the distance are…read morebeautiful. I recommend seeing the sun rise over them from the mesa.

Trinidad was formed in 1859. This city is the largest county in Colorado. The elevation is…read moreapproximately 6000 feet. The highest point in Trinidad is Fisher's peak at a whopping 9600 feet.

Love Love Love this Colorado Border town. They don't make'em like this anymore…read more A spectacular Vintage old Cowboy ghost town that has the most amazing old Steam Train. The last coal burning steam engine. It's well preserved, well taken care of, just like the little downtown. There is so much to see here we had to make several trips. Lots of Photo ops & antique stores. Hubby & I love the old cowboy towns & this one is well preserved a must visit if you like old vintage America. Wish the local politicians hadn't made it into the "weed zombie land" but it's def a must visit. Highly Recommend.

On your way to Bent's Fort up the road, I hope you take an hour or so to visit this fine museum in…read moreFowler. Or it's just a great day trip destination. What caught our eye was the weathered 1800s cabin, jail cages and wagon next to the museum. We thought..."this could be interesting"-and it was! Monty McCanless, who is a tireless worker and member of the Historical Society, gave us a personal tour. First, the 1800s kitchen complete with wood burning stove, side board, table, utensils and pantry staples. There is much in this museum that relates to early pioneering women: their dress, quilting, and a club -The International Federation of Women's Club (that my mom belonged to several states west) scrapbooks and memorabilia. Fowler blossomed with introduction of a canal and sophisticated irrigation systems in the 1800s. You see pictures of the irrigation pipes as well as the pipes and maps. Many trades, occupations are chronicled. There are doctor and optometrist tools, branding irons and brands, saddles of popular locals, inside of a post office, old electric gas station signs, sharks tooth and arrowhead collections and a few Native American artifacts. This hardly scratches the surface of what's there...well displayed BTW.

Las Animas nearly died due to Covid, the sad fact that history gets lost when little towns suffer…read morefinancially. Somehow this museum survived. Make sure you set aside a couple of hours when you come to visit. The history of Las Animas and the characters that made the town are well documented here. The tour guide at the museum is a wealth of knowledge, and the presentation is simply spell binding. If you have noticed the museum and wondered, make a point to go. Enjoy and learn of Las Animas' unique yet important place in the history of Colirado. If you think you will be boared, you are soo wrong, this place is well done and fascinating.